Protecting the server against viruses

A virus is a program that attaches itself to a program or data file on a computer, then spreads from one computer to another. Viruses can damage data, cause computers to malfunction, and can display annoying or offensive messages. Some viruses can go unnoticed for long periods of time because they are activated by a certain date or time. Protect your server from viruses by:

■Using an anti-virus program to check files and programs that are on diskettes, attached to e-mail messages, or downloaded from the Internet. After you run the anti-virus program you can back up your files to diskettes, a separate hard drive, or a high-capacity storage drive.

■Keeping your anti-virus program updated.

■Obtaining all software from reputable sources and checking the software for viruses before installing it.

■Disabling macros on suspicious Microsoft Word and Excel files. These programs will warn you if a document that you are opening contains a macro that might have a virus.

To remove a virus:

1Find and remove the virus immediately using an anti-virus program.

2Turn off your server and leave it off for at least 30 seconds.

3Turn on the server and rescan for the virus.

4If the virus is still present, contact the manufacturer of your anti-virus program or Gateway Client Care.

124Managing the Server